Alcohol Abuse

The wine trade was the most profitable industry in Rotterdam.

Apr 1, 1618

The wine trade was the most profitable industry in Rotterdam.

To control drunkenness, Parliament passed the Gin Control Act of 1729. It raised taxes on alcoholic beverage retailers.

Apr 1, 1729

George Washington wrote to John Hancock that the “benefits arising from the moderate use of strong Liquor have been experienced in all Armies and are not to be disputed.”

Apr 1, 1777

The first vineyard was planted in Canada.

Apr 1, 1811

The temperance movement exerted great influence in American life and culture.

Apr 1, 1870

Georgia and Oklahoma became the first states in the U.S. to adopt statewide prohibition in the twentieth century.

Apr 1, 1907

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on January 16, 1919. It went into effect one year later and banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States and its possessions.

Apr 1, 1919

Alcoholics Anonymous was established

Apr 1, 1935

The Federal Alcohol Administration Act was enacted, enabling the U.S. federal government to regulate alcoholic beverages.

Apr 1, 1936

Alcoholics Anonymous published its book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which quickly becomes known as The Big Book.

Apr 1, 1939

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was first identified.

Apr 1, 1968

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was established to reduce alcohol-related highway fatalities.

Apr 1, 1980

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 was passed in the U.S.

Apr 1, 1984

D.A.R.E.

Apr 1, 2001

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program was taught to nearly 40 million students in over 50 countries around the world, but a five year study of the program was initiated to determine if it was effective in reducing alcohol and drug consumption (it was not).